Watch CBS News

House Approves Bill To Allow Guns In Schools

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) —  In an effort to improve safety in schools, a House committee has approved a bill which would allow trained officials to carry firearms in schools.

The bill (HB 753) approved Wednesday is sponsored by Greg Steube, a Republican from Sarasota. It gives schools the option to appoint former or current law enforcement officers and former or current military officers with state legislated training to carry firearms on campus.

They would be required to go through 40 hours of school-safety training and eight hours of active-shooter training each year. They also would need four hours of firearm qualification annually.

They'd be required to have a carry-and-conceal permit.

Local school boards or principals would make the appointments.

Representatives for the Florida School Board Association and Parent Teacher Association opposed the bill.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.